Short answer: the JBL Charge Essential 3 SE for better sound quality, the W-King D8 Mini for the lower price. The JBL Charge Essential ranks higher than the W-King D8 Mini (#92 vs #135 of 175 medium speakers) but is discontinued. Its replacement, the JBL Charge Essential 3 SE, is rated 3.7/5 at $199.95; the W-King D8 Mini is rated 2.6/5 at $49.99, $149.96 cheaper.
The JBL Charge Essential is the better-sounding, lighter pick. Doubles as a power bank. At 1.7 lbs (770 g) it weighs much less than the W-King D8 Mini at 2.8 lbs (1.26 kg). The catch: Less clarity than the JBL Flip 4, highs rolled off.
The case for the W-King D8 Mini: 30W output with switchable indoor/outdoor EQ modes. It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Charge Essential lacks. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Charge Essential lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the JBL Charge Essential. The tradeoff: Recessed midrange, harsh treble.
Buy the W-King D8 Mini if price matters most. For better sound quality, the JBL Charge Essential 3 SE, the replacement for the discontinued JBL Charge Essential, is rated higher but costs $199.95.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge Essential | W-King D8 Mini | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $73.99 Discontinued | $49.99 |
| Ranked | #92 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #135 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | No |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | Yes (2 modes - Indoor/Outdoor) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) | - |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) | - |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs (770 g) | 2.8 lbs (1260 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 5.0 |
| Drivers | 2x 50mm fullrange | 2x 70mm woofers, 2x 30mm tweeters |
| Dimensions | 8.4” x 3.5” x 3.4” (213 x 89 x 87 mm) | 9.9” x 3.7” x 3.7” (251 x 94 x 94 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 20W RMS | 30W |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX6 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| TWS | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Strap | No | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 63Hz |
| Maximum SPL | - | 100dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Charge Essential: $73.99 Discontinued Amazon $73.99 eBay
Newer model: the JBL Charge Essential 3 SE, ranked higher, rated 3.7/5, released Apr 2026. See every JBL Charge Essential generation.
Pros: Doubles as a power bank. IPX7 rated. Supports true wireless stereo pairing with a second Charge Essential.
Cons: Less clarity than the JBL Flip 4, highs rolled off. An overpriced rebranded JBL Charge 3 for people who want stereo sound. Discontinued.
Full JBL Charge Essential review and specifications →
| Released | Jul 2020 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 20W RMS |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8.4” x 3.5” x 3.4” (213 x 89 x 87 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 50mm fullrange |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs (770 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL Charge Essential vs JBL Charge 3
- JBL Charge Essential vs JBL Charge 2
- JBL Charge Essential vs JBL Flip Essential
- JBL Charge Essential vs Teufel Rockster Go 2
- JBL Charge Essential vs Sonos Roam 2
- JBL Charge Essential vs Sonos Roam
- JBL Charge Essential vs KEF Muo gen2
- JBL Charge Essential vs Tronsmart Mirtune C3 Plus
- See all 127 comparisons
W-King D8 Mini: $49.99 W-King $49.99 eBay
Pros: 30W output with switchable indoor/outdoor EQ modes. IPX6 rated with a 5000mAh battery. Measured bass extension of 63Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Recessed midrange, harsh treble. Bass doesn’t go as deep as others.
Full W-King D8 Mini review and specifications →
| Released | Feb 2020 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 30W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 63Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9.9” x 3.7” x 3.7” (251 x 94 x 94 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 70mm woofers, 2x 30mm tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (2 modes - Indoor/Outdoor) |
| IP Rating | IPX6 |
| Maximum SPL | 100dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 2.8 lbs (1260 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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